Method for clamping a conduit to a rigid barrier

ABSTRACT

A method of clamping a conduit comprising a cylindrical conduit (tube or pipe) to an aperture in a rigid barrier by steps of providing a clamp with a wide plate with a peripheral flange on an obverse end and a narrower boss on an opposite end and with a central hole extending through the plate and the boss, and with a radial slot extending outwardly from the central hole to peripheral edges of both the plate and the boss. The steps include inserting a wedge into the radial slot; moving the clamp into contact with a rigid barrier; affixing the clamp to the rigid barrier with adhesive or fasteners; and removing the wedge from the radial slot.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method for clamping a conduit to abarrier, with the conduit comprising a tube or a pipe and the barriercomprising a rigid support structure. This invention relates moreparticularly to clamps for rigidly securing a conduit to a barrierthrough which it passes; and methods of clamping the conduit to thebarrier.

When a conduit in the form of a tube, a pipe for plumbing or anelectrical conduit is inserted through a hole drilled or cut through abarrier, e.g. a rigid support structure, a wall, a bulkhead, etc., forattachment to a fixture, there is a problem. The problem is how tosecure the conduit in a fixed position relative to the barrier so thatit is prevented from sliding in and out through the hole or twistlaterally, vertically or at an angle in response to a force exerted uponthe fixture attached to the pipe or tube. For example in the case of aplumbing fixture such as a shower head or service valve which isattached to a pipe extending through a hole in a wall, it is importantto affix the pipe in position to prevent the shower head from moving inand/or out through the hole in the wall or twisting at an angle afterinstallation of the plumbing fixture is completed. In addition, in thecase of a number of plumbing fixtures such as shower heads and the like,an escutcheon plate comprising a decorative plate is provided tosurround the pipe on the exterior of the wall through which the pipeextends. For example escutcheon plates are provided behind a plumbingfixture such as a faucet in a bathtub or a shower. There is theadditional problem in that case which is that the device which securesthe conduit in position must be able to be hidden behind the thinescutcheon plate supplied with the plumbing fixture.

I have also found that it is necessary to clamp a conduit such as a pipeor tube which passes through a barrier (rigid support) such as a wall,bulkhead, floor, ceiling, cabinet, fence, etc. to hold fixtures in afixed position.

I have also found that to maintain the desired esthetic appearance of aplumbing installation, it is often advantageous to employ a thininvisible escutcheon clamp in accordance with this invention whichsecures the pipe in a fixed position, but which can be hidden behind anescutcheon plate. The escutcheon plates provided by the manufacturer ofthe plumbing fixture are usually shallow. Thus, in order for a pipeclamp to be hidden from view, I have found that it is desirable tosupply an invisible escutcheon clamp which is thin enough to fit behindsuch a shallow escutcheon plate. At the same time, such a shallow pipeclamp must provide a rigid clamping force that will prevent sliding ofthe pipe in and out of the barrier, wall or bulkhead. I have also soundthat various types of clamps need to be provided with individualcharacteristics suitable for diverse applications.

Moreover there is a need for various routines (i.e. sequences of methodsteps) for installation of a clamp for affixing a conduit to a barrier.

In the case of new construction where a clamp is needed for installationof a conduit through a wall, one set of routine steps is required forcold installations of plastic or iron clamps.

In another case of new construction a modified routine is required forinstallation of a conduit through a wall, for cold installations ofplastic or iron clamps for a utility fixture.

In still another case of new construction a modified routine is requiredfor installation of a conduit through a floor or ceiling, for coldinstallations of plastic or iron clamps for a utility fixture.

In the case of a utility-copper hot installation for new construction amodified routine is required for installation of a conduit for hotinstallations of a stamped metal conduit clamp for a utility fixture.

In the case of a repair application where a clamp is needed forinstallation of a conduit through a finished wall, one set of routinesteps is required for cold installations of plastic or iron clamps.

In another repair application a modified set of routine steps isrequired for installation of a conduit through a wall, for coldinstallations of plastic or iron clamps for a utility fixture.

In yet another repair application a modified routine steps is requiredfor installation of a conduit through a floor or ceiling, for coldinstallations of plastic or iron clamps for a utility fixture.

In the case of a utility-copper hot installation for a repairapplication a modified routine is required for installation of a conduitfor hot installations of a stamped metal conduit clamp for a utilityfixture.

Glossary This glossary indicates the intended definitions andinterpretations of several terms employed herein

Barrier A rigid support structure: a wall, bulkhead, floor, ceiling,cabinet, fence, etc. Tube Clamp A tube clamp includes a clamp plate witha clamp boss, both having a radial slot and a cylindrical tube holetherethrough, for clamping a cylindrical tube (pipe.) The clamp platehas a large radius flange (collar) with the narrow radius clamp bossformed on the front or rear of the tube clamp flange. Clamp plate A thinrelatively flat plate with a radial slot and a cylindrical openingthrough it with a clamp flange, a disk or a polygon, on the margin ofthe tube clamp. Clamp boss knob, hub, or protuberance, preferably with acircular or rounded cross- section, extending from the thin, flat platewith a narrower radius than the clamp plate, and with the coaxialcylindrical opening and the radial slot. Elastic The elastic modulus(modulus of elasticity) indicates how much an elastic modulus materialdeforms temporarily when a force is applied thereto. Escutcheon Adecorative trim shield with a flange composed of metal or plastic forinstallation behind, above, or beneath a fixture such as a faucet orhose bib that covers the conduit connected to a faucet and the holethrough which that pipe extends out through a barrier to the fixture.Tube Clamp The tube clamp flange, that affixes the tube clamp to abarrier, is in the flange shape of a collar or base on the outer edge ofthe clamp plate extending beyond the outer surface of the boss. It mayhave an adhesive surface or fastener holes through it to fasten theclamp to a barrier with fasteners, etc. Hose bib a hose bib (aka hosebibb) is a threaded faucet or service valve (aka wall hydrant,) e.g. astandard exterior or laundry faucet. Rigid A barrier such as a wall,bulkhead, floor, ceiling, sink, fence, post or cabinet support throughwhich a tube hole is formed or is to be formed through which a structureconduit can or will extend.

In accordance with this invention a method is provided including stepsfor clamping a conduit to a barrier with the conduit passing through abarrier hole through the barrier. The conduit may comprise a cylindricaltube or pipe. The steps include providing a clamp with a plate with aperipheral flange on an obverse end and preferably including a boss onan opposite end, with a central hole extending through the clamp fromone end to the other, and with a radial slot extending outwardly fromthe central hole to peripheral edges of the entire clamp. Additionalsteps include inserting a wedge into the radial slot; moving the clampinto contact with the rigid barrier; affixing the clamp to the rigidbarrier with adhesive or fasteners; and removing the wedge from theradial slot.

Further steps in accordance with the method of this invention include inthe case of a new installation forming the barrier hole through thebarrier for the installation; then inserting the conduit through thebarrier hole; then inserting the wedge into the radial slot; then eitherexposing adhesive on the flange or applying adhesive thereto; theninstalling the clamp with adhesive or fasteners bonding the clamp to thebarrier; then removing the wedge from the radial slot; then installing afixture on the conduit; and then turning on the utility. Preferably theboss behind the plate is inserted into the barrier hole through thebarrier.

In the case of a repair, further steps in accordance with the method ofthis invention include first turning off a utility connected to aconduit; then removing a fixture from the conduit; then inserting thewedge into the radial slot; then either exposing adhesive on the flangeor applying adhesive thereto; then installing the clamp with theadhesive bonding the clamp to the barrier; then removing the wedge fromthe radial slot; then installing a fixture on the conduit; and thenturning on the utility. Preferably the boss behind the plate is insertedinto the barrier hole through the barrier.

An additional optional set of steps in accordance with this inventioninclude forming fastener holes when required by placing the clamp in thebarrier hole, marking sites for holes and installing anchors in thebarrier; and later aligning the clamp with the holes and insertingfasteners in the anchors and tightening the fasteners.

Another optional step in accordance with this invention is to slide anescutcheon ring over the conduit before installing the fixture on theconduit.

In accordance with another aspect of this invention, a clamp forsupporting a cylindrical conduit, such as a tube or pipe, passingthrough a barrier. The clamp includes a clamp plate with a clamp havingobverse and reverse clamp surfaces. Preferably the clamp includes a bosson one of the clamp surfaces and a flange on the outer margin of theclamp plate. A central hole which is cylindrical extends through theclamp from front to back. The central hole has an Inner Diameter (ID) toaccommodate and clamp a conduit of a predetermined Outside Diameter(OD). The clamp includes a radial slot therethrough from front to backextending outwardly from the ID of the central hole to peripheral edgesof the clamp. The clamp includes attachment means in the form ofadhesives or fasteners for attaching the clamp to a rigid barrier.

Preferably, the clamp plate is thin in order to be positioned behind anescutcheon ring.

Preferably the boss extends the clamp plate into the barrier for ashower head or service valve or away from the barrier for a utilityfixture.

Preferably the clamp plate is a round disk or a polygonal.

Preferably the clamp extends from front to back to a thicknesssufficient to stabilize a conduit, or a boss is provided which issufficiently thick to reinforce the stabilization of a conduit.

The invention and objects and features thereof will be more readilyapparent from the following detailed description and appended claimswhen taken with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1B show views of a bulkhead type of Visible Tube Clamp (VTC) inaccordance with this invention inserted into a hole in a rigid supportstructure such as a bulkhead or wall; and FIGS. 1C-1D show views of apipe inserted into the bulkhead type of VTC of FIGS. 1A-1B with the VTCsecured to the rigid support structure by a fastener and/or by adhesive.

FIGS. 2A-2G show views of a bulkhead type of pipe or tube Visible TubeClamp (VTC) in accordance with this invention.

FIGS. 3A-3F show an Invisible Escutcheon Clamp (IEC) in accordance withthis invention.

FIGS. 4A-4H show a heat resistant plastic or stamped metal version of aHose Bib Clamp (HBC) for a water pipe connected to a hose bib of thisinvention.

FIGS. 5A-5H show a square plastic Visible Clamp (VC) for a pipe or tubein accordance with this invention.

FIG. 6 shows a pentagonal VC with a conduit hole therethrough which ispitched at a 30 degree angle for a pipe or tube in accordance with thisinvention.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart which shows sequences of steps in accordance withthe method of this invention of making a new construction installationwith the various types of tube clamps tube in accordance with thisinvention.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart which shows sequences of steps in accordance withthe method of this invention of making a repair installation with thevarious types of tube clamps tube in accordance with this invention.

The following detailed description which follows explains the preferredembodiments of the invention, together with advantages and features, byway of example, with reference to the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION PipeClamp for Barriers Such as Walls or Bulkheads

In accordance with this embodiment of the present invention a conduitclamp includes a clamp plate with a peripheral flange and boss on thereverse side with a radial slot in the clamp plate, the flange and theboss comprising a split in the clamp. The clamp is composed of aflexible material such as plastic or a metal stamping that will hold atubular structure or a pipe by means of tension against the surface ofthe pipe or tube and the inside surface of the clamp plate boss. Theflange is then glued or bolted to the wall or bulkhead that it ispassing through to secure the pipe or tube in a permanent position.

Visible Tube Clamp (VTC)

FIGS. 1A and 1B show several different partially-sectioned views of aVisible Tube Clamp (VTC) 10 in accordance with this invention. FIG. 1 Ais a partially-sectioned, perspective view of the VTC 10 with thesection taken along section line 1B-1B in FIG. 1A. The VTC 10 is shownwith a boss 17 in the rear thereof inserted into a hole 23 through abarrier 22 which for example is a bulkhead or a wall. A flange 15 on thefront of the VTC 10 has a back 19 next to the barrier 22. FIG. 1C showsthe VTC 10 of FIG. 1B which is permanently installed in the hole 23through the barrier 22 by adhesive 26 and screw 25 in FIG. 1C or by abolt 25′. A conduit 24 is installed in a conduit hole 14 through the VTC10. FIG. 1D is a modification of FIG. 1C with the boss 17 shown intactand with adhesive 26 and a screw 25′ assembled with a threaded nut 27holding the VTC 10 in position.

In more detail, FIG. 1A is a partially-sectioned, perspective view ofthe VTC 10 which is a round, one piece unit for clamping a tube such astube 24 shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D. The VTC 10 is shown inserted into theclamp hole 23 through a partially-sectioned barrier 22 which such as awall or a bulkhead. In FIG. 1A the front of the VTC 10 comprises a flat,thin, wide cylindrical clamp plate 12. Behind the clamp plate 12 is anarrower, round boss 17. On the periphery of the clamp plate 12 is aclamp flange 15 with a greater radius than the boss 17. The clamp plate12 and the boss 17 are hollow in that they have a conduit hole 14extending from the front to the back of the VTC 10 along the centralaxis thereof. In other words, the clamp plate 12 is a round disk on thefront of the VYC 10. The narrower, yet round boss 17 formed on the backof the VTC 10 is integral with the clamp plate 12. The clamp plate 12includes the clamp flange (collar) 15 that is coplanar with the frontsurface of the clamp plate 12 and is formed on the margin thereof. Inthis embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1A, the clamp flange 15 is beveled onits periphery and the clamp flange 15 has a circular (round) periphery.In this embodiment the clamp boss 17, which is a hollow cylindricaltube, lies behind the clamp plate 12. The boss 17 has a central axiscoaxial with the central axis of the clamp plate 12. The conduit hole 14which is coaxial with the central axis of the clamp plate 12 and boss 17of the VTC 10 extends from the front of the clamp plate 12 to the backof the boss 17. A radial slot 11 that is formed in one side of the VTC10 extends from the inside of the conduit hole 14 to the exterior of thetube clamp plate 12 and it also extends to the exterior of the boss 17.The Visible Tube Clamp (VTC) 10 is composed of an elastic material whichhas a suitable modulus of elasticity for temporarily being deformed butwhich returns to its normal shape and providing a clamping force whenthe cause of the deformation force is removed. In accordance with themethod of this invention, the clamp hole 23 has been bored or cutthrough a barrier 22 which comprises a rigid support structure. Forpurposes of explanation and illustration of features of the VYC 10, FIG.1A shows clamp 10 (with no pipe inserted therein) inserted into theclamp hole 23 in the barrier 22.

An alternative to the conduit hole 14 being coaxial with the conduitclamp 10, the axis of the conduit hole 14 can be pitched at an anglesuch as 10, 20 or 30 degrees with respect to the conduit clamp 10 toprovide for a conduit which is to slant at an angle such as a pipe to beconnected to a shower head or a conduit which needs to connect at analternative angle to a fixture.

FIG. 1B is a sectioned, side elevation of the VTC 10 taken along sectionline 1B-1B in FIG. 1 A. Flange 15 extends radially from the margin ofclamp plate 12 and is juxtaposed with the front wall of the barrier 22.The VTC 10 includes the boss 17 on its back. The radial slot 11 is seenin the clamp plate 12 and the flange 15 on the front of the VTC 10 andthe radial slot 11 is seen in the boss 17. The conduit hole 14 extendsthrough the center of the VTC 10 concentric with the clamp plate 12, theclamp flange 15 and the boss 17. The radial slot 11 extends out from theinterior of the conduit hole 14 from the front to the back of the VYC10. Two optional fastener holes 16 extend through the flange 15 from itsfront surface 18 to its back surface 19 with the holes 16 exposing thesurface of the barrier 22 into which a threaded fastener 25 is showninserted in FIGS. 1C and 1D. The VTC 10 with the radial slot 11 in thesplit (slotted) clamp plate 12 and with the split (slotted) raised boss17 is preferably composed of a flexible material such as plastic or ametal stamping that will hold a conduit by means of tension against thesurface of the conduit and the inside surfaces of the clamp plate 12 andthe boss 17. The back surface 19 of the flange 15 is then glued and/orbolted to a wall or a bulkhead that it is passing through to secure apipe or a tube in a permanent position as illustrated by pipe 24 in VTC10 in FIGS. 1C and 1D as described below.

FIGS. 1C and 1D show a pipe 24 inserted into the VTC 10 of FIGS. 1A-1Bsecured to the rigid support structure 22 by a threaded fastenercomprising a screw 25 plus adhesive 26 between the back surface 19 ofthe flange 15 and the front surface 22F of barrier 22. FIG. 2C is asectioned elevation which is a modification of FIG. 2B showing a pipe 24extending through both the bulkhead VTC 10 and the barrier 22 with thepipe 24 clamped into position by the VYC 10. The screw 25 is shownsecuring the VTC 10 to the barrier 22. The adhesive material 26 whichbonds the VTC 10 to the barrier 22 fills the gap between the back 19 ofthe flange 15 and the confronting surface of the barrier 22. In FIG. 1D,which is a modification of FIG. 1C, the VTC 10 is shown without thesectioning of the clamp plate 12 and the boss 17, showing how the clampplate 12 and the boss 17 surround the clamped pipe 24.

Visible Clamp (VC)

FIGS. 2A-2G show views of a Visible Clamp (VC) 20 in accordance withthis invention for installation of a conduit through a barrier such asthe barrier 22 in FIGS. 1A-1D. The VC 20 is composed of an elasticmaterial with a suitable modulus of elasticity for temporarily beingdeformed by applying leverage to the radial slot 11, but which returnsto its normal shape whereby it provides a clamping force when theleverage is removed ending the deformation. FIG. 2A is a perspectiveview of the VC 20 which comprises a flat, thin, wide, hollow disk shapedclamp plate 12 in front and a narrower, hollow cylindrical boss 17 inthe back, which is integral with the clamp plate 12. As in FIGS. 1A-1D,the clamp plate 12 includes the coplanar round flange 15 on its margin.As shown in FIG. 2A, the boss 17 lies behind the clamp plate 12 and theboss 17 has a central axis coaxial with the central axis of the clampplate 12. A conduit hole 14, which is coaxial with the central axis ofthe clamp plate 12 and boss 17 of the VC 20, extends completely throughthe VC 20 from front the front of the clamp plate 12 to the back of thecylindrical boss 17. The radial slot 11 is formed in the side of the VC20 reaching out from the conduit hole 14 to the periphery of the clampplate 12 including the clamp flange 15 and the boss 17. To prepare forinsertion of a pipe or tube through the VC 20, a lever pries the radialslot 11 open by exerting strain force on the VC 20. The VC 20 opens towiden the diameter of the tube hole 14 temporarily but the stress forceof the VC 20 is sufficient to clamp/affix a pipe or a cylindrical tubein place thereafter.

FIGS. 2B and 2C are partially sectioned, perspective views of the VC 20of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2B is a sectioned view of FIG. 2A taken through theclamp plate 12 and the boss 17. FIG. 2C is a modification of FIG. 2Bwith a section taken along the central axis of the VC 20 extendingthrough the center of the conduit hole 14. As shown in FIG. 2A, the boss17 is cylindrical and coaxial with the wider, thin, cylindrical clampplate 12. Since the boss 17 has a narrower radius than the clamp plate12, there is a flat flange 15 on the margin of the clamp plate 12, whichextends outwardly beyond the radius of the boss 17 away from the centralaxis of the clamp 20. The conduit hole 14 extends through the center ofthe VC 20 concentric with the clamp plate 12, the flange 15 andconcentric with the boss 17. In addition, fastener holes 16 for bolts orscrews extend through the flange 15 (from its front surface 18 to itsback surface 19) for fastening the VC 20 to a hard surface such as abulkhead, wall, or a floor, etc. as illustrated by FIGS. 1A-1D and aswill be described below.

FIG. 2B is a section taken from front to back through a third of the VC20 with the slot 11 remaining. FIG. 2C is a section taken from front toback through the center of the VC 20. FIG. 2D is a front view of the VC20 and FIG. 2E is a back view thereof. FIG. 2F is an inverted side viewof FIG. 2D. FIG. 2G is a section taken along section line 2G-2G in FIG.2E.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2D-2F show the radial slot 11 extending outwardly from theconduit hole 14 (i.e. from the central axis of the VC 20) through boththe clamp plate 12 and the boss 17 to provide access for a lever towedge the VC 20 partially open temporarily to permit the insertion of aconduit therethrough. The radial slot 11 extends outwardly from theinterior of the conduit hole 14. The VC 20 is composed of a materialwhich is moderately stiff but flexible enough to be deformed temporarilyto open the conduit hole 14 without damaging the VC 20. In other words,the VC 20 has a modulus of elasticity which permits temporarilyincreasing the ID of the conduit hole 14 by using a lever to partiallyopen the radial slot 11 in the VC 20 from the front of the clamp plate12 to the back of the boss 17. As referred to herein, a stiffer materialhas a higher elastic modulus than a less stiff material. A lever (notshown) exerts strain force to open the VC 20 when that lever is insertedinto the radial slot 11. After the lever is removed, the VC 20 continuesto have a stress force sufficient to clamp/affix a pipe or a cylindricaltube to a rigid support structure. In accordance with the method of thisinvention, the conduit hole 14 is required to have an Inner Diameter(ID) slightly less than the Outer Diameter (OD) of a conduit to beinserted therein with the VC 20 which has an ID slightly less the thanthe OD specification of a standard tube or pipe. When the lever isremoved from the radial slot 11 the VC 20 rigidly grips the conduitinserted therein.

FIG. 2D shows a rotated plan view of the VC 20 of FIG. 2A with theradial slot 11 on the right extending out from the conduit hole 14 andfour fastener holes 16 extending through the flange 15. FIG. 2E showsthe obverse side of the VC of FIG. 2D with the back end 13 of the boss17 surrounding the conduit hole 14 and the back 19 of the flange 15surrounding the boss 17.

FIG. 2F shows an inverted, elevation of the VC 20 of FIG. 2D with theradial slot 11 on the right and on the edge of the flange 15. The backend 13 of the boss 17 and the back of the flange 15 are shown. FIG. 2Gis a sectioned, inverted elevation taken along section line 2G-2G inFIG. 2E through the central axis of the VC 20.

Invisible Escutcheon Clamp (IEC)

The Invisible Escutcheon Clamp (IEC) is preferably a flexible plasticmodel of a conduit clamp in accordance with this invention with orwithout mounting holes on the flange and an adhesive previously presentor currently applied to the reverse (boss) side of the flange. A wedgeor screwdriver is inserted into the split area to expand the center holein order to enable the clamp to slide over the tube or pipe. Once theclamp is near the correct position, the reverse side of the clamp ispressed onto the barrier so that the glue which is exposed bonds theflange and the clamp to the barrier. Mounting screws may also beapplied. After the pipe or tube is adjusted to the desired position, thewedge is removed. An escutcheon plate is then positioned over the clampto conceal it, making it “invisible”.

FIGS. 3A-3F show an IEC 30 for a conduit in accordance with thisinvention. FIG. 3A is a side elevation of the IEC 30 with the clampplate 12 which is disk shaped on top with a round flange 15 on themargin thereof. As in FIGS. 1A-1D, FIG. 3B shows the clamp plate 12 isthe front end of IEC 30 with the boss 17 below the clamp plate 12. Theback end 13 of the boss 17 is shown in FIG. 3D. The IEC 30 is a flexibleplastic model s without mounting holes through the flange 15 and whichhas adhesive or glue (not shown) applied to the back side 19 of theflange 15. Mounting hole can be added to the IEC 30. As in FIGS. 1A-1D,and 2A-2G, a pipe or tube is to be installed into the IEC 30 byinserting a wedge or screwdriver (or the like) into the radial slot 11(the split area) to expand the center hole 14 in order to enable the IEC30 to slide over the pipe or tube. Once the IEC 30 is near the correctposition, the adhesive or glue on the back 19 of the flange 15 isexposed and the IEC 30 is pressed firmly against a barrier as in FIGS.1C and 1D. Alternatively, mounting screws may also be applied throughholes through the flange 15. After the pipe or tube is adjusted to thedesired position, the wedge or screwdriver is removed. A conventionalescutcheon plate (not shown) is then positioned over the clamp toconceal it, making it “invisible”.

Hose Bib Clamp (HBC)

The Hose Bib Clamp (HBC) is a flexible, heat-resistant plastic orstamped metal structure with a larger flange than for the Visible TubeClamp (VTC). The flange can be any shape or size and may have one ormore mounting holes. The plastic version is used with pipes or tubesthat have threads (in the case of black iron pipes for instance) orcompression fittings (copper, stainless steel, or brass pipes) that arenot subject to excessive heat. The stamped metal version is for pipes ortubes that may have fittings soldered or welded nearby.

FIGS. 4A-4H show views of a Hose Bib Clamp (HBC) 40 in accordance withthis invention. FIG. 4A shows a view of the obverse side of the HBC 40with the radial slot 11 at the bottom The HBC 40 is a heat-resistantflexible plastic or stamped metal version of a tube clamp with a frontboss 47 and an HBC flange 45 which is shown to be relatively larger thanthe flanges described above. The HBC flange 45 can be any shape or size,and has a conduit hole 44 and may have one or more mounting holes 16through its flange 45 as shown in several of the drawings. The HBC 40 isinstalled with fasteners or with adhesive. FIG. 4B shows a leftelevation of the HBC 40 with the radial slot 11 rotated to the frontsurface. FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the obverse side of the HBC 40with the front boss 47 shown clearly. FIG. 4D is a sectioned leftelevation of the HBC 40 taken along line 4D-4D in FIG. 4A. FIG. 4E is asectioned, perspective view of the obverse side of the HBC 40 takenalong line 4E-4E in FIG. 4A. FIG. 4F is a sectioned, perspective view ofthe obverse side of the HBC 40 taken along line 4F-4F in FIG. 4A. FIGS.4G and 4H are photographs of the obverse side of a model of an HBC 40.As stated above, the plastic version of the HBC flange 40 is adapted foruse with pipes or tubes that have threads (in the case of black ironpipes for instance) or compression fittings (copper, stainless steel, orbrass pipes) that are not subject to excessive heat. The stamped metalversion of the HBC flange 45 is adapted for use with pipes or tubes thatmay have fittings soldered or welded nearby.

Matching Plastic SQuare (MPSQ) Tube Clamp

FIGS. 5A-5H show views of a Matching Plastic SQuare (MPSQ) tube clamp 50in according to this invention. FIG. 5A is a perspective view of MPSQtube clamp 50, that is preferably composed of the same type of plasticas the plastic conduit it is intended to support. The MPSQ tube clamp 50has a flat, thin, wide and square, hollow clamp plate 52, in front and ahollow cylindrical boss 57 in the back, which is integral with the clampplate 52 and narrower than the clamp plate 52. FIG. 5A shows the clampplate 52 with a square flange 55 rounded corners for illustration, butthe MPSQ clamp 50 can be of any size or shape. The rounded corners arejuxtaposed with four fastener holes 16 that extend through of the flange55. As in the previous embodiments of this invention, the tube clamp 50includes the radial slot 11 and the central conduit hole 14, which aredescribed above. FIG. 5B is a plan view of the obverse side of the tubeclamp 50. FIG. 5C is a left elevation of FIG. 5B showing the radial slot11 in front, indicating the location of back 13 of the boss 17 on thebottom and also indicating the back 19 of the clamp flange 55. FIG. 5Dis a sectioned view of the obverse side of the clamp 50 taken along line5D-5D in FIG. 5B showing half of the tube and pipe hole 14; and whichshows the solid structure of the clamp 50. FIG. 5E is a sectioned viewof the obverse side of the clamp 50 taken along line 5E-5E in FIG. 5Bwhich also shows the solid structure of the clamp 50. FIG. 5F shows thereverse side of the view of the clamp 50 in FIG. 5B. FIGS. 5G and 5H arephotographs views of the obverse side and the reverse side respectivelyof a model of the clamp 50. Plastic conduit clamp 50 has a large flange55 with a thicker boss 57 for additional support made of the same typeof plastic as the pipe or tube it is intended to support (such as PVC).The difference between this version and those above is that the centerof the boss 57 is not undersized and the clamping force is achieved by achemical bond generated by the appropriate glue or bonding agent appliedbetween the inner boss surface and the outer surface of the pipe or tubewhich is bonded thereto and held in position when it is assembled inplace. In this case, a wedge or screwdriver is not necessary to open theMPSQ clamp 50.

Pentagonal Conduit Tube (PCT) Clamp

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a Pentagonal Conduit Tube(PCT) clamp 60with a pentagonal clamp plate 62 on the obverse side which includes apentagonal flange 65 with fastener holes 16 proximate to the fivecorners of flange 65 and a cylindrical boss 67 on the reverse side ofthe PCT clamp 60. The conduit hole 14 of the PCT clamp 60 is at an anglesuch as 10, 20 or 30 degrees with respect to the surface of the clampplate 62 and the pentagonal flange 65 as well as any barrier surfacesinto which the boss 17 thereof is to be inserted.

Bonding Materials

Adhesive tapes for bonding surface of clamp flange are preferably a diecut adhesive tape that can be applied during manufacture with a peel offpaper backing that can be removed at the point of use (in the field).Such tapes include 3M Company products such as VHB tape 4941 Doublecoated conformable acrylic foam, multi-purpose acrylic adhesive, closedcell, gray for use with Primer 94. 3M™ Tape Primer 94 and VHB tape 5952Double coated very conformable acrylic foam, modified acrylic adhesive,closed cell, black for use with 3M™ Primer 94. The 3M™ Tape Primer 94 isan adhesion promoter for use in conjunction with 3M™ VHB™ Tapes. It is adurable adhesion promoter useful for priming and promoting adhesion foruse on many plastic, rubber, painted and bare metal substrates. 3M™VHB™Tape's 100% acrylic closed cell construction bonds metals, plastics andglass eliminating the need for screws, rivets, welds and othermechanical fasteners in many applications. Fast, easy to use andreliable, VHB tapes help improve styling, performance and productivity.Foam conforms to many irregular surfaces. Alternatives are double coatedtape 9495LE or 9500PC. 3M™ Double Coated Tape 9495LE 6.7 mil 300LSE lowsurface energy acrylic adhesive on a polyester film carrier with a 4.2mil 58 lb polycoated kraft paper liner is for use on low surface energysurfaces and as plastic extrusion attachment. Double coated version of3M Adhesive Transfer Tape 9472LE. Improved handling and ease ofdie-cutting. Another alternative is 3M™ Double Coated Tape 9500PC is a5.6 mil 350 high performance acrylic adhesive double coat with polyestercarrier on a 4.5 mil 61.5 lb polycoated kraft paper liner. It is a 2.0mil polyester carrier for improved dimensional stability for use tolaminate high performance plastics and difficult substrates.

Alternative sequences of process steps are required for the diversetasks that can be performed using a clamp of this invention. FIG. 7shows a flow chart of all process steps for various new constructionapplications. The tables below reference the steps needed to produce therequired result each application.

Method of Installation of Conduit Clamp in New Construction

STEP START A Drill, cut, or saw in/through a barrier 22 (e.g rigidsupport, bulkhead, wall, floor, cabinet, etc.) to form a barrier hole 23for the tube 24 (pipe of installing tubes or pipes in pipe clamps. Inother words, to install the Invisible Escutcheon Clamp 20, first trimaround the barrier hole 23 with a knife or saw enough to allow the bosson the back of the clamp to pass into the surface of the barrier 22(e.g. a wall or bulkhead. Referring to steps B1-B3 below, at this time,if the clamp 10, 20, etc. is equipped with mounting holes 16, a templatemay be used to mark hole locations on the barrier 22 and anchors may beinserted in their proper positions around the perimeter of the barrierhole 23. B1 Are fastener holes needed about the access hole? If YES goto step B2. If NO go to step C. B2 With the clamp in barrier hole mark &form anchor holes and go to step B3. B3 Remove the clamp 10, installanchors in anchor holes in barrier & go to step C. C Install a conduit24 through a barrier hole 23. D Insert a wedge (screwdriver) into edgeof clamp slot 11 to open clamp hole 14 with clamp boss 17 facing barrierhole 23 as wedge expands hole 14 enough to allow clamp 10 to fit overthe end of pipe 24, leaving the wedge in place for now. E1 Is adhesiverequired on back of the clamp flange? If YES go to step E2? If NO go tostep F. ( E2 Expose adhesive on bonding side of clamp flange or applyadhesive to bonding side of clamp flange F With clamp slot still wedgedopen, slide clamp along the tube or pipe. Line up any screw holes withany anchor holes. Slide clamp over end of the (line up the mountingholes) and push adhesive coated side of flange towards barrier until onflange contacts barrier surface. G Push clamp flange until the adhesiveseats on the barrier and then press the clamp to bond the clamp flangeto the barrier. H If required, insert and tighten screws or bolts. IPosition the tube including any desired angle in the case of a bentshower head only. Other applications will most likely be straightalthough it is conceivable that the clamp may be produced with thecenter hole at any angle up to 45 degrees and still maintain structuralintegrity) and remove the screwdriver or wedge. J Remove lever or wedgeclamping the conduit in place K Slide any escutcheon ring over the tubeend to conceal the clamp. L Install the shower head (or a shut off valveor a solder fitting, etc. M Turn on the utility END

New Construction Installation of Conduit Clamp in a FinishedWall—Plastic/Iron (Cold Installations)

STEP START A cut hole in barrier slightly larger than clamp boss Cinstall pipe through hole in barrier D insert wedge into clamp slot andslide over pipe with boss facing barrier hole E1-E2 remove adhesivebacking or apply adhesive on back of clamp flange G push clamp againstwall to seat adhesive I position pipe J remove wedge K slide escutcheonring over pipe to conceal clamp L install shower head or service valve

New Construction Installation of Conduit Clamp Utility—Plastic/Iron(Cold Installations)

START A cut hole in barrier slightly larger than clamp boss B1-B2position clamp in barrier hole and mark anchor locations B3 remove clampand install wall anchors C install pipe through hole in barrier D insertwedge into clamp slot and slide over pipe with boss facing barrier holeE2 remove adhesive backing/apply adhesive on back of clamp flange (ifapplicable) F push clamp against wall to seat adhesive (if applicable)making sure flange holes align with wall anchors H install wall anchorscrews I position pipe J remove wedge K not applicable L install showerhead or service valve

New Construction Installation of Conduit Clamp Utility—Plastic/Iron(Cold Installations) Floor or Ceiling

STEP START A cut hole in barrier slightly larger than pipe diameter B2position clamp in barrier hole and mark anchor locations B3 remove clampand install wall anchors C install pipe through hole in barrier D In amodification of step D, insert wedge into clamp slot and slide over pipewith boss facing AWAY FROM barrier hole E1-E2 Not applicable but one mayapply adhesive to FRONT of clamp flange G push clamp against wall toseat adhesive (if applicable) making sure flange holes align with wallanchors H install wall anchor screws I position pipe J remove wedge Knot applicable L install shower head or service valve

New Construction Installation of Conduit Clamp Utility—Copper (HotInstallations) Stamped Metal Pipe Clamp

0 START A cut hole in barrier slightly larger than pipe diameter B2position clamp in barrier hole and mark anchor locations B3 remove clampand install wall anchors C install pipe through hole in barrier D′ In amodification of step D insert wedge into clamp slot and slide over pipewith boss facing AWAY FROM barrier hole E1-E2 Not applicable F Slideclamp into position taking care to align flange holes align with wallanchors H1 Install wall anchor screws I Position pipe J Remove wedge Knot applicable L install shower head or service valve

Below are several tables relating to repair applications providingclamps for supporting a conduit in a repair application instead of newconstruction application. The steps RA-RN in the tables refer to some orall of the process steps shown in the flow chart of FIG. 8 as requiredfor a particular repair application. Reference is also made to stepsB1-B3.

Conduit Clamp with a Finished Wall (Plastic/Iron (Cold Applications)

Step START RA First turn off utility for a repair of a previousinstallation of a conduit which extends through a barrier (e.g rigidsupport, wall, bulkhead, floor, cabinet, etc.) RB Remove fixture (e.g.service valve or shower head) from the conduit which extends through thebarrier hole. RC Enlarge barrier hole to accommodate the boss side ofthe tube clamp RD Insert a lever or wedge into the edge of clamp slottemporarily opening the clamp tube hole with clamp boss facing barrierhole RE If required perform steps B1 and/or B2 and B3 in FIG. 7 whichare as follows: B1 Are fastener holes needed about the access hole? IfYES go to FIG. 7 step B2. FIG. 7 If NO go to step RF1. B2 With the clampin barrier hole mark positions for anchor holes. FIG. 7 Then form theanchor holes and go to step B3. B3 Remove the clamp 10; install anchorsin anchor holes in barrier; go to step RF1. FIG. 7 RF1 Is adhesiverequired on the back of the clamp flange? If YES go to step RF2. If NOgo to step RG. RF2 Apply adhesive to bonding side of clamp flange and goto step RG; or expose adhesive on bonding side of clamp flange and go tostep RG. RG With clamp slot still wedged open, slide clamp along thetube or pipe, lining up any screw holes with any anchor holes RH Pushclamp to seat the adhesive onto the barrier. Then press the clamp tobond the clamp flange to the barrier. RI If required, insert and tightenscrews or bolts. RJ Position the pipe or tube including any desiredangle. RK Remove lever or wedge clamping the conduit in place. RL Slideany escutcheon ring over the tube end to conceal the clamp. RM Installthe shower head (or a shut off valve or a solder fitting, etc.) RN Turnon the utility. END

Finished Wall—Plastic/Iron (Cold Applications)

Step START RA First turn off utility for a repair of a previousinstallation of a conduit which extends through a barrier (e.g rigidsupport, wall, bulkhead, floor, cabinet, etc.) RB Remove fixture (e.g.service valve or shower head) from the conduit which extends through thebarrier hole. RC Enlarge barrier hole to accommodate the boss side ofthe tube clamp RD Insert a lever or wedge into the edge of clamp slottemporarily opening the clamp tube hole with clamp boss facing barrierhole RF1 Is the adhesive on the back of the clamp flange? If YES go tostep RF2. If NO go to step RG. RF2 Apply adhesive to bonding side ofclamp flange and go to step RG; or expose adhesive on bonding side ofclamp flange and go to step RG RG With clamp slot still wedged open,slide clamp along the tube or pipe. RH Push clamp to seat the adhesiveonto the barrier. Press the clamp to bond the clamp flange to thebarrier. RJ Position the pipe or tube including any desired angle for ashower head RK Remove lever or wedge clamping the conduit in place RLSlide an escutcheon ring over the pipe or tube end to conceal the clampRM Install the shower head or shut off valve RN Turn on the utility. END

Utility—Plastic/Iron (Cold Installations)

Step START RA First turn off utility for a repair of a previousinstallation of a conduit extending through a barrier (e.g rigidsupport, wall, bulkhead, floor, cabinet, etc.) RB Remove fixture (e.g.service valve or shower head) from the conduit which extends through thebarrier hole. RC Enlarge barrier hole to accommodate the boss side ofthe clamp RD Insert a lever or wedge into the edge of clamp slottemporarily opening the clamp tube hole with clamp boss facing thebarrier hole. RD1 Slide clamp to wall and mark anchor holes. Removeclamp and mount wall anchors. Slide clamp back onto the tube or pipe RF1Is the adhesive on the back of the clamp flange? If YES go to step RF2.If NO go to step RG. RF2 Apply adhesive to bonding side of clamp flangeand go to step RG; or Expose adhesive on bonding side of clamp flangeand go to step RG. RG With clamp slot wedged open, slide clamp along thetube or pipe. RH Push clamp to seat the adhesive on the barrier. Pressthe clamp to bond the flange to the barrier taking care to align flangeholes with wall anchors. RJ Position the pipe or tube including anydesired angle for a shower head RK Remove lever or wedge clamping theconduit in place RM Install the shower head or shut off valve RN Turn onthe utility. END

Utility—Plastic/Iron (Cold Installations) Floor or Ceiling

Step START RA First turn off utility for a repair of a previousinstallation of a conduit extending through a barrier (e.g rigidsupport, wall, bulkhead, floor, cabinet, etc.) RB Remove fixture (e.g.service valve or shower head) from the conduit which extends through thebarrier hole. RD Insert a lever or wedge into the edge of clamp slottemporarily opening the clamp tube hole with clamp boss facing AWAY fromfloor or ceiling. RD1 Slide clamp to floor or ceiling wall and markanchor holes. Remove clamp and mount wall anchors. Slide clamp back ontothe tube or pipe. RF1 Is the adhesive on the back of the clamp flange?If YES go to step RF3. If NO go to step RF2. RF2 Apply adhesive to frontbonding side of clamp flange and go to step RG; or expose adhesive onbonding side of clamp flange and go to step RG RG With clamp slot stillwedged open, slide clamp along the tube or pipe. RH Push clamp to seatthe adhesive on the barrier. Press the clamp to bond the flange to thebarrier taking care to align flange holes with wall anchors. RJ Positionthe pipe or tube to desired depth. RK Remove lever or wedge clamping theconduit in place RL Slide an escutcheon ring over the pipe or tube endto conceal the clamp RM Install the service valve or shut off valve RNTurn on the utility. END

Utility—Copper (Hot Installations) Stamped Metal Pipe Clamp

Step START RA First turn off utility for a repair of a previousinstallation of a conduit extending through a barrier (e.g rigidsupport, wall, bulkhead, floor, cabinet, etc.) RB Remove fixture (e.g.service valve or shower head) from the conduit which extends through thebarrier hole. RD Insert a lever or wedge into the edge of clamp slottemporarily opening the clamp tube hole with clamp boss facing AWAY fromfloor or ceiling. RD1 Slide clamp to floor or ceiling wall and markanchor holes. Remove clamp and mount wall anchors. Slide clamp back ontothe tube or pipe. RG With clamp slot still wedged open, slide clampalong the tube or pipe. RH Push clamp to seat it on the barrier takingcare to align flange holes with wall anchors. RJ Position the pipe ortube to desired depth. RK Remove lever or wedge clamping the conduit inplace; and the metal conduit may be soldered for added rigidity. RMInstall the service valve or shut off valve RN Turn on the utility. END

Repair of Utility—Plastic/Iron (Cold Instillations)

RA For repair of a tube (pipe) which extends through a barrier (e.grigid support, wall, bulkhead, floor, cabinet, etc.) turn off utility RBRB Remove fixture (e.g. service valve or shower head) from the conduitwhich extends through the barrier hole. RC Enlarge barrier hole toaccommodate the boss side of the tube clamp RD Insert a lever or wedgeinto the edge of clamp slot temporarily opening the clamp tube hole withclamp boss facing barrier hole B1 Slide clamp up to barrier and markanchor holes FIG. 7 B2 With the clamp in barrier hole mark positions foranchor holes. FIG. 7 Then form anchor holes and go to step B3. B3 Removethe clamp 10. FIG. 7 The install anchors in anchor holes in the barrier.RF1 Apply adhesive to bonding side of clamp flange and go to step RG.RF2 Expose adhesive on bonding side of clamp flange and go to step RG.B3 Expose adhesive on bonding side of clamp flange and go to step RG. RFRG With clamp slot still wedged open, slide clamp along the tube orpipe, lining up any screw holes with any anchor holes RH Then push clampflange seating the adhesive onto the barrier and then press the clamp tobond the clamp flange to the barrier RI If required, insert and tightenscrews or bolts RJ Position the tube including any desired angle RKRemove lever or wedge clamping the conduit in place RL Slide anyescutcheon ring over the tube end to conceal the clamp RM Install theshower head (or a shut off valve or a solder fitting, etc.) RN Turn onthe utility. END

While a frequent application of the conduit clamp of this invention isfor use with a shower head, other common uses would be hot/cold watersupply lines to sinks, dishwashers, and ice machines. In addition,clamps in accordance with embodiments of this invention can be used onelectrical conduits going through walls, floors, and ceilings.

Another application would be to use the conduit clamp to form a sealagainst air, insects, etc. from entering the space between a conduit anda barrier.

Still another application is to position a bent or curved conduit at adesired angle after affixing the conduit clamp to the barrier.

The plate 12 and flange 15 of the clamp 10 may be asymmetrical in thesense of that the plate 12 of the clamp 10 of FIG. 1 or otherembodiments may be rectangular, elliptical, etc. with the flange 15including provision for structural support by adhesive or with fastenerholes which are aside from the conduit hole 14. In the case of such anasymmetrical plate 12 and flange 15 the clamp can be mounted under, overor aside from the structural support, when required.

Specifications for Clamp Materials

The conduit clamps in accordance with this invention are preferablycomposed of polypropylene, HDPE, PVC, or metal for damp locations. Ithas approximately 3 square inches of contact area and may be usedindoors or outdoors. It will need to withstand temperatures up to 160degrees Fahrenheit, 5 pounds of shear load and an occasional load of upto 20 pounds in tension.

The foregoing description discloses only exemplary embodiments of theinvention. Modifications of the above disclosed apparatus and methodswhich fall within the scope of the invention will be readily apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art. While this invention is described interms of the above specific exemplary embodiment(s), those skilled inthe art will recognize that the invention can be practiced withmodifications within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, i.e.changes can be made in form and detail, without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, while the presentinvention is disclosed in connection with exemplary embodiments thereof,it should be understood that changes can be made to provide otherembodiments which may fall within the spirit and scope of the inventionand all such changes come within the purview of the present inventionand the invention encompasses the subject matter defined by thefollowing claims.

1. A method of clamping a conduit comprising a cylindrical tube or pipeto a barrier where the conduit extends through the barrier comprisingthe steps as follows: providing a clamp with, with a central holeextending and with a radial slot extending outwardly from the centralhole to peripheral edges of the clamp; inserting a wedge into the radialslot; moving the clamp into contact with the rigid barrier; affixing theclamp to the rigid barrier with adhesive or fasteners; and removing thewedge from the radial slot.
 2. The method of claim 1 including theproviding the clamp with a plate with a peripheral flange on an obverseend and with a boss on an opposite end, with a central hole extendingthrough the plate and the boss, and with a radial slot extendingoutwardly from the central hole to peripheral edges of both the plateand the boss.
 3. The method of claim 1 including the steps as follows:first turning off a utility connected to the conduit; then removing afixture from the conduit; then inserting the wedge into the radial slot;then either exposing adhesive on the flange or applying adhesivethereto; then installing the clamp with the adhesive bonding the clampto the rigid barrier; and then installing a fixture on the conduit. 4.The method of claim 1 including after inserting the wedge into theradial slot of then performing the step of applying adhesive to theflange or exposing adhesive previously on the flange by removing aprotective tape.
 5. The method of claim 1 including the steps ofpositioning the clamp on the barrier and marking positions of fastenerhole in the clamp on the barrier followed by forming an anchor hole inthe barrier and installing anchor in the anchor hole in the barrier. 6.The method of claim 1 including in the case of a curved or bent conduitperforming the step of positioning the conduit at a desired angle afteraffixing the clamp to the barrier.
 7. The method of claim 2 includingthe steps as follows: first turning off a utility connected to theconduit; then removing a fixture from the conduit; then inserting thewedge into the radial slot; then either exposing adhesive on the flangeor applying adhesive thereto; then installing the clamp with theadhesive bonding the clamp to the rigid barrier; and then installing afixture on the conduit.
 8. The method of claim 2 including the stepafter inserting the wedge into the radial slot of applying adhesive tothe flange or exposing adhesive previously on the flange by removing aprotective tape.
 9. The method of claim 2 including the stepscomprising: positioning the clamp on the barrier and marking a positionof a fastener hole in the clamp on the barrier; and then forming ananchor hole in the barrier and installing an anchor in the anchor holein the barrier.
 10. The method of claim 2 including positioning theconduit at a desired angle after affixing the clamp to the barrier. 11.The method of claim 1 including installing an escutcheon ring onto saidconduit prior to installing a fixture.
 12. The method of claim 2including installing an escutcheon ring onto said conduit prior toinstalling a fixture.
 13. A clamp for supporting a cylindrical conduitcomprising a tube or pipe within an aperture in a rigid supportstructure comprising: the clamp including a clamp plate with a clampfront and a clamp back and a flange on the outer margin of the clampplate; a boss formed on the front or back of the clamp plate; the clampplate and the boss having a central axis extending from a front end to aback end of the clamp; the boss having a maximum radius extending fromthe central axis; a central cylindrical hole coaxial with the centralaxis extending through the clamp plate and the boss from the front endto the back end; the flange extending radially from the longitudinalaxis and having a flange radius greater than the boss; the central holehaving an Inner Diameter (ID) for accommodating and clamping or bondingto a the conduit of a predetermined Outside Diameter (OD); the body andthe flange including a radial slot therethrough extending outwardly fromthe ID of the central hole to peripheral edges of both the body and theflange.
 14. The clamp of claim 13 wherein: the flange includes a frontside and a back side behind the front side; the front side formed on thefront end of the body; and adhesive material form on the back side ofthe flange.
 15. The clamp of claim 13 wherein the flange is polygonal,asymmetric or round.
 16. The clamp of claim 13 wherein the centralcylindrical hole is formed at an angle to the central axis.
 17. Theclamp of claim 13 wherein: the flange includes a front side and a backside behind the front side; the front side formed on the front end ofthe body; and a fastener hole formed extending through the flange withaxes parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body.
 18. A method ofclamping a conduit comprising a cylindrical tube or pipe to a barrierwhere the conduit extends through the barrier comprising the steps asfollows: A. providing a clamp with, with a central hole extending andwith a radial slot extending outwardly from the central hole toperipheral edges of the clamp; A clamp for supporting a cylindricalconduit comprising a tube or pipe within an aperture in a rigid supportstructure comprising: a. the clamp including a clamp plate with a clampfront and a clamp back and a flange on the outer margin of the clampplate; b. a boss formed on the front or back of the clamp plate; c. theclamp plate and the boss having a central axis extending from a frontend to a back end of the clamp; d. the boss having a maximum radiusextending from the central axis; e. a central cylindrical hole coaxialwith the central axis extending through the clamp plate and the bossfrom the front end to the back end; f. the flange extending radiallyfrom the longitudinal axis and having a flange radius greater than theboss; g. the central hole having an Inner Diameter (ID) foraccommodating and clamping or bonding to a the conduit of apredetermined Outside Diameter (OD); h. the body and the flangeincluding the radial slot therethrough extending outwardly from the IDof the central hole to peripheral edges of both the body and the flange;B. inserting a wedge into the radial slot; C. moving the clamp intocontact with the rigid barrier; D. affixing the clamp to the rigidbarrier with adhesive or fasteners; and removing the wedge from theradial slot.
 19. The method of claim 18 including the steps ofpositioning the clamp on the barrier and then marking position of afastener hole in the clamp on the barrier followed by forming an anchorhole in the barrier and installing an anchor in the anchor hole in thebarrier.
 20. The method of claim 18 including in the case of a curved orbent conduit performing the step of positioning the conduit at a desiredangle after affixing the clamp to the barrier.